Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways: Making the Right Choice for Your St. Louis Home

Climate Considerations in St. Louis

The climate of St. Louis has very high heat index (hot humid summers) and low temperature indexes (cold winters), along with occasional severe storms (heavy rain and/or snow). As such, all types of driveway material may be subject to damage from these conditions and will have different life expectancies depending upon how they are maintained.

Pros and Cons of Concrete

Advantages of Using Concrete in St. Louis

• Long Life Expectancy (30-40 years): With regular maintenance, a concrete driveway can last for many decades.
• Heat Resistant: A concrete driveway stays cooler in the hot summer months.
• Strength: A concrete driveway is designed to hold heavy weights and can be perfect for RV owners in West County.
• Minimal Maintenance: A concrete driveway requires very little maintenance.
• Aesthetics: A concrete driveway can be stamped or painted to fit the style of your home, whether it’s an older historic home in Lafayette Square or a newer home in Clayton.
• Environmentally Friendly: A concrete driveway reflects a higher amount of sunlight, which helps reduce the “Urban Heat Island” effect.

Disadvantages of Using Concrete in St. Louis

• High Up Front Cost: The initial cost of installing a concrete driveway is typically greater than that of an asphalt driveway.
• Oil and Rust Stains: Oil and rust from vehicles may stain the surface of a concrete driveway; if you’re a do-it-yourself mechanic, this could be a concern.
• Cracking: Soil settlement and other earth movements may cause a concrete driveway to crack; some areas, such as Chesterfield, have high amounts of soil movement.
• Salt Damage: De-icing salts applied to the roadways in St. Louis may damage a concrete driveway.
• Time to Cure: A concrete driveway takes longer to cure and be ready for use.

Pros and Cons of Asphalt

Advantages of Using Asphalt in St. Louis

• Lower Up-Front Cost: An asphalt driveway typically costs less to install than a concrete driveway.
• Quicker Installation: Asphalt can be installed and ready for use much quicker than concrete.
• Easier to Repair: Asphalt is generally easier to repair when it becomes cracked or damaged.
• Flexible: Asphalt will flex and move with the ground in areas with clay soils, such as South County.
• Winter Friendly: Asphalt does not suffer as greatly from salt and can withstand the weight of snow plows.

Disadvantages of Using Asphalt in St. Louis

• Lower Long-Term Life Expectancy: Asphalt driveways typically have a lower long-term life expectancy than concrete driveways.
• Regular Maintenance Required: Asphalt driveways require sealing every 2-5 years and filling cracks every year.
• Sensitive to Extreme Temperatures: In extreme heat, asphalt driveways can become soft; St. Louis has many days during the summer where the temperature exceeds 100 degrees.
• Limited Aesthetic Choices: Compared to concrete driveways, there are limited design options available for asphalt driveways.
• Negative Environmental Impact: Asphalt is a petroleum-based product and has a larger carbon footprint than concrete.

Maintenance Reality

St. Louis’ climate demands maintenance of all driveways:

Maintenance Requirements for a Concrete Driveway

• Apply sealant every 2-3 years.
• Clean oil spills quickly.
• Do not apply de-icing salt within the first year of construction.

Maintenance Requirements for an Asphalt Driveway

• Apply sealant every 2-5 years.
• Fill cracks in the driveway every year.
• Resurface the driveway every 10-15 years.

Environmental Factors

If being environmentally conscious is important to you:

• Concrete is more reflective and, therefore, absorbs less heat.
• Concrete can be manufactured with recycled materials.
• Asphalt is recyclable; however, it is a petroleum-based product.
• Both asphalt and concrete can be made to allow water to pass through them (permeable), which can aid in storm water drainage – especially in areas prone to flooding.

Recommendation by St. Louis Concrete Works

We understand that every homeowner is unique and that what works for one homeowner may not work for another. That said, based on the local climate and the characteristics of both materials, we at St. Louis Concrete Works would recommend a concrete driveway to the majority of homeowners in St. Louis. These include:

• Their durability and ability to withstand the extreme variations in climate experienced by St. Louis homeowners.
• They stay cooler in the extremely hot summer months.
• Less maintenance over the long run.
• They provide a high return on investment.
• Many styles and designs can be achieved with a concrete driveway, making them versatile enough to complement any type of architecture found in St. Louis.

Ready to Decide?

Deciding between concrete and asphalt is a major decision. At St. Louis Concrete Works, we will assist you with your decision-making process. We will take a look at your property, determine your budget and preferences, and make recommendations as to which option will best suit your needs for your St. Louis home.

Regardless of which option you decide on, having the right installation company perform the installation is key to the longevity and performance of your driveway. If you choose to have a concrete driveway installed, our skilled staff will ensure that your driveway will function properly for generations to come.

Get a FREE Driveway Consultation

Your driveway is much more than just a parking space; it is an investment in the value of your home and its curb appeal. Choose wisely and enjoy a great-looking and functioning driveway for years to come.